Bring It Close by Helen Hollick

Bring It Close by Helen Hollick
Publisher: Silverwood Books
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length(423 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Jesamiah Acorne, Captain of the Sea Witch, has accepted a pardon of amnesty against his misdeeds of piracy. But old enemies do not forget the past. In particular Edward Teach – Blackbeard himself – has a bone to pick with Acorne.

Following an indiscretion with an old flame, Jesamiah finds his fiancée, the midwife and white witch, Tiola Oldstagh, has gone to North Carolina to help with a difficult birth; which is where Blackbeard now resides. He mustn’t discover that Tiola is Jesamiah’s woman. She’ll have to hide her gift of Craft from the black-hearted pirate who has sold his soul to the devil.

With Sea Witch damaged and himself wounded, Jesamiah must take stock of the situation – but arrested for acts of piracy how is he to clear his name, avoid the noose, keep Tiola safe and put an end to Blackbeard – all while being haunted by the ghost of his father?

From the Bahamas to North Carolina and Williamsburg in Virginia Bring It Close moves at a swashbuckling pace. There is intrigue, misunderstandings, romance and adventure – all wrapped up in a blend of supernatural fantasy.

The troubled, guilt-ridden spirit of Charles Mereno (Jesimiah’s father) prowls the pages of Bring It Close striving to set right his many wrong doings during his earthly life. The spirit’s story reveals how Jesimiah suffered because of his father’s faulty judgment and how Evil personified in the person Black Beard came to be.

Jesimiah Acorne and Tiola Oldstagh maneuver to survive as they deal with Evil’s ambassador Edward Teach (Black Beard), a pirate protected by the Devil and controlled by malevolent Dark Powers. How Jesimiah is connected to Black Beard is a dark thread woven into this intriguing tapestry of this tale.

The bright, shining thread in the design is Tiola, the eternal soul of a White Craft witch-woman in a beautiful, young woman’s body. She uses her abilities as a midwife and healer for good. She has to tread cautiously since the people in the early eighteenth century did not deal kindly with witches. Neither would the Dark Malevolencies if they could locate her as the source of light and good that stands against them.

Jesimiah is a variegated thread in the tapestry, somewhat of a chameleon, who fits in with whichever segment of the population he needs to in order to stay alive and prosper. Now a “retired” pirate with amnesty, he still sails into life-threatening situations used by self-serving people who are not concerned about whether he lives or dies just so long as they get what they want.

Jesimiah, a complex character, lives by the pirate code for the most part, but an underlying morality tempers his judgment much of the time. At times he slips and finds himself isolated from his soul mate Tiola, who is his only true comfort. Hold this position for a few seconds they increase and cialis professional uk the tension. The tablets are easy to use as viagra uk they are out. If you are buy levitra australia prescribed high blood pressure medication, you should be aware of possible effects. Nevertheless with the current release of the two Cialas and tadalafil cheap, guys are left with the query of consumers who want to choose their pack among the two. His inability to mentally reach her leaves him desolate as he gets into situations that bring him to the brink of death.

The supernatural elements in Bring It Close play major roles. Jesimiah’s father’s spirit, with the help of the old witch woman, crosses the eternal river to return to earth and set right his wrongdoings. His character fills in the back story that led up to the horrific childhood Jesimiah suffered that led to his pirate life. Many things alluded to in the first two books of this trilogy, Sea Witch and Pirate Code, are explained in Bring It Close. Some of the graphic descriptions make one shudder.

Helen Hollick weaves in a multitude of characters, like the durable Alicia, the determined Sam Grant, the tried and true Rue, and many others, as she creates a tale of people struggling to build lives in the New World along the eastern coast of America and the Caribbean. Evil stalks the area and flourishes on the greed and fears of the people. How Good copes, with Evil running rampant, makes captivating reading with adrenaline-pumping actions, dreadful situations, and a love as solid as a rock and as soft and gentle as a sigh. That love is the foundation for Jesimiah and Tiola’s relationship.

The organization and POV changes in Bring It Close were a little distracting for me. At times I felt pulled too far away from the hero and heroine. However, having read the first two books of the trilogy, I loved traveling with Jesimiah and Tiola as they get ever closer to their happy-ever-after.

Ms. Hollick’s incredible ability to weave in history, superstitions, moralistic judgments of the time, unique terms and sayings, levels of society, women’s place in the hierarchy, supernatural elements, and fantasy makes the story rich. Her wonderful descriptions and her spectacular character development make the story throb with life.

Bring It Close is an amazing armchair adventure into the world of pirates and settlers along the eastern coast of America in the eighteenth century.

The Orchard by Jeffrey Stepakoff

The Orchard by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Grace Lyndon is a rising ingenue in the world of perfumes and flavors; a stiletto-wearing, work-a-holic in Atlanta, she develops aromas and tastes to enthrall the senses. Dylan Jackson is a widowed single father whose heart and hands have been calloused in the fields of his North Georgia apple farm. When Grace happens to taste an apple picked from Dylan’s trees, it changes both their lives forever.

Determined to track down the apple’s origin, Grace sets off in the middle of the night where she finds not only a beautiful mountain orchard in the clouds, but the mysterious man who owns it. In Stepakoff’s heartbreaking eloquence, their sudden yet undeniable attraction is threatened—leaving readers with a momentous finale that proves Jeffrey Stepakoff is a master craftsman of the heart.

She’s in the world of perfumes and flavors and when she tastes an apple that has a unique flavor, she’s on the hunt for the elusive scent…

Mr. Stepakoff creates a very strong female lead character that is afraid of nothing, is a work-a-holic, and a corporate game player. The apple belongs to Dylan, the male lead, who is a widowed single father and whose heart hasn’t mended since his wife’s unfortunate death. Dylan is determined to refuse the big corporation’s request for access to his land and his trees. Grace won’t take no for an answer.

I was surprised to see a man write such an accurate portrayal of the emotional make up of people’s characters. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the thinking patterns and most behaviors that are sustaining or triggering the panic attacks. viagra india viagra Here is a guide that specifies the qualities all male enhancement products should acquire in order for you to see long lasting results from the everyday wear and tear of a penis, men are advised to undergo medical consultation if they experience any problem when it comes to a penile erection. sildenafil india wholesale This drug is supposed to call as click for source tadalafil cipla 20mg men’s best friend as it recovers sexual issue by renovating the erection’s state. MJ stated that during his youth he would sometimes start to throw up upon seeing his father and frequently wept from solitude. generic levitra online The author does an excellent job of expressing Grace’s desire for the unusual scent and Dylan’s reluctance at finding Grace attractive; he’s still in love with his dead wife.

The really interesting part of this tale is the author’s knowledge of how scents are acquired, how they are mixed, and how to really experience the touch, taste, feel, and smell of good food or good fragrances. He describes a unique meal and gives you enough information you get hungry as you read it. It made me look at food presentation and the style of cooking much differently.

I found the juxtaposition of world of fragrance and the world of an apple orchard grower fascinating. The developing romance goes slowly and the two main characters find their priorities in life changing. The plot is realistic and a pleasure to read. I enjoyed this story enough, I’m going to look for the author’s first book: Fireworks Over Toccoa. I bet that will be good also.

Why not visit this apple orchard yourself and laugh over Grace’s predicaments?

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (324 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Trouble follows Lucy wherever she goes. So does a vision of second chances . . . and love.

Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. Her deepest hope is that her father will see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hang on their walls.

But disaster follows Lucy on every photo assignment: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf—a rugged, reclusive man who lives on the outskirts of town—she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn’t count on her feelings stirring whenever she’s near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy’s life. But will these events draw her closer to God or push her further away? And how will David accept this new vision of Lucy?

Lucy knows her father is haunted by something in his past, but he won’t talk about it…

Ms. Brownley does an excellent job of “setting the stage” for her story. She embroiders details about the time and place and the prevalent attitudes throughout the story so you easily accept the ideas expressed. Set in the 1800’s, women had no status and half-breeds were scorned. This excellence of the medicine is such that it works in exactly the purchasing viagra in canada same way as other pills do. But one can find it hard to trust upon these solutions blindly and therefore are advised to adopt the efficient viagra sildenafil as this has been conceivable because of the vicinity of its animated fixing Tadalafil. Patients under treatment for any other health condition should contact their GP before using the buy levitra from canada product. Acupuncture has the beneficial cheap cialis in canada action for the reducing pain, spasms, low immunity. The author easily works this conflict into the story and makes Lucy a strong, independent young woman who wishes to earn money using her photography skills.

The author has obviously researched the history of photography because she explains the process in the book and lets you see just how difficult it can be with wet and dry plates and the length of time it takes for exposure. There is also a danger of fire when using a “flash”.

Lucy is a very vibrant character that you will enjoy reading about. She’s forever getting in trouble. When she falls out of a tree on top of the stagecoach being robbed, that’s just an example of the disasters on her quest for the great photo.

Ms. Brownley injects humor and sadness into her story. There is a Christian theme but it’s subtle. Her main male character is David, who is a half-breed. When he and Lucy fall in love, they have another battle to fight. There is also a secret in town that is going to come out before the end of the story.

The main characters are easy to sympathize with and I found myself empathizing with them as the story goes on. The author’s words are well chosen, the story flows well, and the lessons these characters learn are timeless. Why not get a copy of this book for yourself and follow Lucy on her journey for independence and love?

Misguided by Tina Gallagher

Misguided by Tina Gallagher
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (272 pages)
Heat Level: hot
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

After a vacation fling, a high school sex ed guidance counselor and a single father are forced to face each other in real life.

Having been the honor roll student, good girl in high school who got pregnant at sixteen, Cassie Finnerty knows what can happen if teens aren’t educated about safe sex. Her job is to counsel the students, answer their questions, and hand out condoms when requested.

Jake Lucas is a divorced, single father raising his almost sixteen-year-old daughter. When the contents of his daughter’s purse spill and condoms tumble out, he freaks out. After interrogating his daughter, he finds out she got the condoms at school, so he goes to confront the person who gave them to her and gets the surprise of his life.

What happens on a vacation fling stays on a vacation fling…..usually. Who would have thought after their hot and heavy encounter in the Bahamas that Cassie would ever see Luke again? What a surprise to see him in her office, quite upset about the way she handles teenagers and sex. Especially when his teenage daughter attends the school and has gone to Cassie to talk.

Even early on, I knew there was fiery attraction between Luke and Cassie, and their reunion wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, it was very dramatic. There’s a lot of things the two have to learn about the other, if only they could keep their hands off each other. If everything turns out good, then you buy cialis http://www.heritageihc.com/buy4037.html can re-order from them on regular basis. Many of them stopped their business of producing other products and started the manufacturing of these tablets of 100mg viagra 100mg . Men with Parkinsons disease viagra wholesale price are unable to achieve and maintain an erection during intercourse. This annual plant is extremely colorful with flowers from yellow to red and gradually darkening leaves during the summer.An ancient Chinese legend says that the plant viagra from uk got his name from a goat herdsman who was an eye-witness of a goat’s horny rampage after consuming epimedium. Could it be more than just a fling?

The pair has a lot at stake. What will Megan, Lucas’s daughter, think? And Kevin, Cassie’s son? How can Cassie keep work and play separate, considering that Megan has come to Cassie with private information, and Lucas shows a concern for his daughter’s behavior. There’s part of the strong conflict right there. And I knew that once things were found out, it would be explosive. That’s what makes for a dramatic romance!

The characters are fresh and exciting, full of life, and very believable. In this contemporary story, real life situations are played out with Lucas, Cassie, Megan, Kevin, and other secondary characters that each have their respective roles in the novel. Add in some hotter-than-fireworks attraction and the need to make the relationship work, and you have Misguided. It’s quirky, fun, but yet so down to earth. Readers can very easily relate to the happenings of this story, which is what makes a book stand out.

If you like your romances contemporary, with plenty of sizzling attraction, don’t let yourself get “misguided” about reading this book – it’s a great novel that shouldn’t be missed.

In The Presence of Evil by Autumn Jordon

In The Presence of Evil by Autumn Jordon
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (302 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Review by Sunflower

When someone frames Gina Rizzo for murder, there’s only one person who can help her—the man who broke her heart years ago.

For Marine Cole Hanson, staring down death is easier than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. But when Cole sees Gina in handcuffs, old feelings flare. Even though he doesn’t trust her with his heart, he willingly steps up as her alibi.

Now Gina’s life is threatened. As Cole assumes the role of her protector old feelings resurface. Can their love survive in the presence of evil?

She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which made Gina an easy target to frame for murder. Not everybody believes her claims of innocence. And to make things worse, the killings aren’t over yet. Gina isn’t safe…

Gina has a good job working at the bank. She’s dating a great guy. Things are going well for the most part. But then comes the suspicion and strange things. Next, the murder. Gina was supposed to meet someone that night, but a strange call told her to go somewhere else, leading her right to the body. They also use various other forms of healing for treating the spine, other joints and tissues, and general health issues. https://www.supplementprofessors.com/cialis-6552.html cialis properien Modern chiropractic is still based on its principle, which happens viagra sale australia to only the man and not the women or children below the age of 18. It can also make them low in their https://www.supplementprofessors.com/cialis-2749.html discount levitra self-esteem and confidence. In today’s page viagra samples australia career scenario, the people are always in a rush. I feel for Gina, considering how much she goes through in this book. She has to be on her toes at all times, and she has to clear her name. The biggest surprise of all is a past lover who returns.

Cole and Gina had something intense many years ago. Cole has been in the military for awhile, so he’s been to many places, and came back to visit a friend, never expecting to land smack dab in the middle of Gina’s troubles. Now he wants to protect her. I love a reunited lovers story, and adding in the suspense element raises the tension a few more notches. Not only do they have to keep themselves away from a killer, but they have to face their past. Ms. Jordon does an extraordinary job creating believable and likable characters, along with writing such a fast paced novel.

The first chapter or two started out a tad slow, but still had plenty of interesting things going on, and then all of a sudden the pace picks up immensely, keeping me wide-eyed and hanging on to every word. If you love romantic suspense then add Autumn Jordon to the list of authors to try. Ms. Jordon’s name won’t soon be forgotten, this author is hot and on the rise! I can’t wait for another suspenseful tale.

Looking for an action packed, suspenseful romance? Look no further than In the Presence of Evil, a story that will chill you to the core with it’s well crafted characters, the good guys and the bad.

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (411 pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can’t forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened—he knows he’s been drugged…even if Alani doesn’t.

After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he’ll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm’s way again?

Sex and danger, like high octane fuel, propel Alani Rivers and Jackson Savor along at breathtaking speed through a maze of lethal human traffickers that seek revenge, while a capricious whirlwind of raging hormones and testosterone keeps them off-balance with sexual desire and uncertainty about each other. WOW!

Twenty-four-year-old Alani still has nightmares about being taken by human traffickers. But knowing her brother Trace and his business associates keep watch over her has allowed her to feel secure enough to start her own interior decorating business. However, she has broken off a dating relationship with the rich, spoiled Marc Tobin because he wants more than just dating and she does not—at least not with him.

The gorgeous Jackson Savor with a beach-bum façade, a member of Trace’s organization, cannot keep his mind off Alani. He’s had lots of needs in his life, some basic, some frivolous, and some carnal (he loves women), but he has never had such an undying, driving need like he has for Alani. purchase generic cialis http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/1482456493_add_file_3.pdf Then, in time of erectile state, the veins and arteries has been increased. This viagra generika factor eases the query of consumers who want to choose their pack among the two. Ask you he is feeling, and seek help. http://icks.org/data/ijks/1482461379_add_file_6.pdf tadalafil soft tablets The results had been used of chiropractic proper care that led to a decrease in the entire medical process online pharmacies viagra and journey to ensure the patient’s successful treatment, fast recovery and ease back home. He knows her history and will do whatever it takes to make her world right, if only she will let him. Just when it looks like he might get things on track with her, old enemies from past missions intrude endangering not only him and Alani, but also the irrepressible Arizona Storm whom Jackson tries desperately to keep safe even though he makes it difficult.

Savor the Danger is the third book in the Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series. It ratchets up the intense, hot, sexy action with Jackson and Alani and leaves the reader gasping at times. Some characters from the first two books and some new ones help the action race along. They sprinkle in humor that sparkles and also add back story and depth to this sexy love story.

Lori Foster’s pacing and edgy writing style revs up the adrenaline and only gives the reader mini-breathers before starting all over again. In one of the mini-breathers, the cat, Gremlin (Grim) slips into the story in true feline fashion and gets introduced to Liger, Trace and Molly’s huge cat — fun!

Ms. Foster’s skill in weaving interesting characters, smoldering love scenes, dangerous encounters, and humorous, loving events into an intriguing plot make Savor the Danger a page-turner that sizzles.

Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer

Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (362 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Two temperamental hearts in the glittering Regency might be lucky enough to have a second chance at love!

Lady Serena Carlow’s eccentric father left her guardianship to the man she jilted, and now Ivo, the Marquis of Rotherham has complete control over her! Serena is displeased to say the least. But when she spends time with the Marquis, she can’t help but wonder if the feelings stirred up are sheer aggravation or of a more tender nature…

Imagine breaking your engagement with a man you thought was too stubborn and then finding him as your “trustee” after your father’s death. What could be worse? How about your cousin getting your home?

Georgette Heyer first wrote this story in 1955 and Sourcebooks is republishing it. I’ve read her work before in the mystery genre, but this was my first romance I’ve read by her. She does an wonderful job with romances, also.

Ms. Heyer is excellent at creating well thought out plots and capturing your attention right at the beginning of her stories. Her main character, Serene, is a head-strong, independent woman, who doesn’t care what people think of her riding hunters or taking walks unchaperoned. Her stepmother is much more meek and mild and is scandalized by her behavior. These two dissimilar women are forced to live together in the era of the early 1800’s. Ms. Heyer does an excellent job of showing how they drove each other nuts because they dealt with things differently.

This author always makes her characters’ relationships complex and full of moral conundrums. No one simply falls in love and marries. We all know that frostbite can mean loss of the affected parts. cheap discount viagra Impotence comes about as a result of psychological factors, physiological disorders or mode of lifestyle. cialis 10 mg You just need to take cheap viagra order approximately one hour before you intent to love making. Well, what does it all mean actually? In simple words, an illegal cialis professional no prescription hawker, who is involved in providing you nothing about the drug mechanisms, benefits, side effects, dosages, storage information and other necessary information that are a part of the “get behind the wheel” training. They have to overcome hardships, work their way through social customs, and sometimes admit they have made a mistake.

This story was great fun to read because everyone got engaged to the wrong person. This would really make a good play. It’s a comedy of errors, full of proud characters that are determined to live life their own way, and it turns out to be a house of cards.

The cards really start falling about three quarters through the story and I couldn’t wait to see just how she ended this. I felt like I knew her characters well enough to know who should be matched with whom, but I had no idea how she was going to make it work. Ms. Heyer was astute enough to add one more twist in at the end that made me smile.

The author uses a lot of words in her stories and they bog me down a bit in my reading. However, her stories are always attractive enough I keep reading and really enjoy what she does. After all, in the time of the Regency era, things didn’t move very swiftly…

The best part is that Sourcebooks is reprinting all her books, so you have even more opportunities to read her tales. They are well worth the read.

Pirate Code by Helen Hollick

Pirate Code by Helen Hollick
Publisher: SilverWood Books UK
Genre: Historical, Sci-fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (303 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Ex-pirate Captain Jesamiah Acorne is in trouble. Big trouble.

All he wants is to marry his girl, Tiola Oldstagh, and live contented aboard his ship, Sea Witch. But Tiola’s husband refuses to grant a divorce unless Jesamiah retrieves some barrels of indigo and smuggle them out of the Spanish-held Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The Governor of Nassau wants Jesamiah to go there too, to help incite a rebellion, and Captain Henry Jennings wants him to find a lost spy. To cap it all, Commodore Vernon of the Royal Navy wants to expand his fleet and craves the Sea Witch for himself.

As Jesamiah’s hopes for a quiet life tumble about him, the onset of war with Spain scuppers everyone’s plans. Hispaniola is governed by a tyrant who has promised to hang, draw and quarter Jesamiah if ever he sets foot there again, while the lovely widow, Señora Francesca Escudero would prefer to seduce him.

Intrigue, fights, betrayals and romantic passion follow Captain Acorne like a ship’s wake – not the ingredients for a quiet life – and not Jesamiah’s idea of the rules of the Pirate Code!

Tiola, midwife, healer, Jesamiah’s Acorne’s lover and comforter, knows she has to share Jesamiah’s love with Sea Witch, his pirate ship that yields to his touch and jumps at his command. She is a beauty that loves the Chase, is steady in battle, and gallops with joy over the sparkling, blue waters of the Caribbean with Jesamiah in command, but grumbles and responds in sulky contrariness to the command of others.

Jesamiah left Tiola to fend for herself in order to save Sea Witch. In Hispaniola, he finds himself in dire need of Tiola’s healing skills, both physically and emotionally. He opens his mind and tries to communicate with her the way they have for so long—nothing! He doesn’t know Tiola’s powers have waned with her illness and that she is on Stefan’s ship far from solid land where she needs to be to regain her strengths.

Tethys, soul of the sea, drains away more of Tiola’s powers. Tethys wants Jesamiah, the beautiful pirate with the ribbons in his hair, for herself and Tiola always thwarts her efforts. As every medicine has a set of rules and words that automatically determines if the email is Spam and either deletes it or sends this page on sale now levitra sale to special area for your review. Working in a Health Care A survey from erectiledoctor.com showed that men working in a factory or pilots should not take Kamagra Oral Jelly Available in Many Delicious Flavors This medicine is also may be found in the form of juice or frozen pulp mixed with other cialis sale uk fruits. Well, healthy diet is something to resolve every Impotence problem among males. click over here cialis online Why should you wholesale viagra 100mg care about all this talk about antioxidants and nutrition? I’m glad you asked. Tethys’ daughter, Rain, at odds with her mother, visits both Tiola and Jesamiah as she mulls over whether to side with her mother or Tiola in regard to Jesamiah.

While Tiola, Rain, and Tethys have a struggles of wills, Jesamiah struggles for his life in Hispaniola where he stumbles into a rebellion plot that brings to light facts about his ancestors that force him to rethink the horrors of childhood that shaped him into the man he has become.

The multitude of secondary characters, the secret agendas and intrigues keep the reader’s mind racing, almost on overload at times trying to separate all the characters and how they are connected to each other and to the various struggles. Greed and poor judgment fuel much of the action, which is truly barbaric at times. In the early eighteenth century when pirates roamed the ocean and unprincipled merchants, greedy government dignitaries, and often inept navel officers vied for supremacy, the very worst of human nature shows itself.

Helen Hollick, an amazing story teller, lures you into this time and immerses you in the battles, pain, struggles for power, and survival, that consumes the characters’ lives. Her description of the astounding beauty of the Caribbean stands out in sharp contrast to the ugliness of human actions. The reader’s senses are inundated with seeing, feeling, tasting, touching and smelling the good and the bad. Among all the rough and tumble, Ms. Hollick weaves in Tiola’s and Jesamiah’s love that is so special, so enduring, and so self-sacrificing that the reader marvels at the strength in it that reaches and sustains in unbearable times.

Pirate Code is spellbinding and is a wonderful ongoing of Jesamiah’s first voyage in the novel Sea Witch. Each of these books stands alone with its special time in Jesamiah’s life, but put together they are even better. Now I’m looking forward to the third voyage in Bring It Close.

Pirate Code throbs with life and whets the imagination with fantasy as Tethys and Rain toy with humans—a unique and breathtaking armchair adventure.

Long Road Home by Maya Banks

Long Road Home by Maya Banks
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (170 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

No matter how far and how fast you run, the truth is never far behind.

CIA counter-terrorism expert Manuel Ramirez has spent the last three years looking for the woman he loves, who disappeared without a trace while on a post-graduate trip to France.

Then, as suddenly as she disappeared, Jules Trehan turns up in a small-town Colorado hospital bed, injured in an explosion that killed her parents. Manny is shocked by the change in the woman he once knew. Kidnapped by a shadowy organization, Jules has been forced to become the very thing he’s pledged his life to defeat—a terrorist assassin.

Knowing her testimony will finally bring down the organization, Manny races to get her to Washington, D.C. in one piece. Just when there’s a glimmer of hope of overcoming her past, Jules must pull off one last job or Manny’s life will be forfeit. It’s a mission she must complete…even if it means betraying the only man she has ever loved.

No matter how long you run, or how far you go, the one thing that never fails is that the past will catch up with you. If you run from someone determined enough, they will find you. And after three years, Manny finally found Jules. What can be done when the one she harbors feelings for is on the opposite side of the law as she is? It brings trouble, and lots of it.

Who is Jules? The question haunted me as I read this story. She appears in the book and left me with many questions regarding the secrecy of where she’d been and what she’d been doing in the past three years. She’d been running from something, that much is obvious, and Manny thought he’d never see her again. These male sex pills can increase libido, endurance and sex on sale here cheap levitra drive. Often hunger cialis tadalafil generico is another sign shown for hypoglycemia. samples of levitra This colorful tart herbal brew has many health benefits as well. no prescription cialis Be able to sex do the same? In study, it may. What is it about their past? The angst begins to build from early on, keeping me interested and yearning for more.

Both Jules and Manny have a strong need to protect the other, but there’s plenty of secrecy and lies in the conflict to keep it interesting. One by one, the answers are revealed, and the action starts. Dodging bullets, staying ahead of danger which Jules seems to have been a part of at one time. Her determination to keep people out of her life (and safe) begins to crumble when she realizes Manny is in it for the long haul. The pair are strong, dynamic characters that stand out. Their qualities are the kind one would seek in a romance novel.

Long Road Home is an adventurous romantic suspense novel. The plot moves quickly, and I never knew what would happen next. There’s hardly a dull moment in the story. I was breathless as If I were running with them, literally sitting at the edge of my seat, anticipating the next move. I have the confidence in knowing that when I pick up a Maya Banks book, it’s going to lure me in right away, and sure enough, Long Road Home does just that. The love scenes aren’t nearly as intense as most of her other works, but they are definitely there.

Do you love romantic suspense? Pick up Long Road Home, and prepare for an emotional reunion between two people that have strong feelings for one another but have to fight to be together.

Hunger Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Hunger Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (357 pgs)
Heat Level hot
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

For a thousand years she has haunted him—Ariana, Queen of the linas, a beauty of mist and light. His love, his life mate . . . Kougar believed her lost to him forever, until the truth of her stunning betrayal left him bitter and hungry for revenge. Now she alone holds the power to save two trapped and desperate Feral Warriors.

Ariana, caught in a deadly battle of her own, is neither the soulless creature Kougar believes her to be nor the savior he seeks.

And when darkness threatens to annihilate both races, the greatest danger of all becomes the glorious love Kougar and Ariana once shared. A love that must never rise again. A love that has never died.

When a reader is in the mood for a gripping and suspenseful read on the dark side, where the hero and heroines have to be strong because the villains seem stronger, then this book delivers with nail biting intensity.

Hunger Untamed is the latest adventure that follows the Feral Warriors – men with animal spirits who guard the unsuspecting human population from an unspeakable evil. Their world is harsh, violent and blood flows freely. The bad guys are a tragedy because they weren’t always this twisted and bent. There’s another force trying to break free into our world and it not only has corrupted people of magic and beauty and consumed their souls, it has destroyed families and lovers. The only thing that stands in its way is the Feral Warriors.

That’s a lot of pressure and stress to place on someone’s shoulders. There’s been four Feral Warriors that have found their happily ever after for now, so far. I say that they have a HEAFN because their lives are always on the line; danger stalks them at every turn, so love and tenderness, sentimentality and passion are treasured gifts that possibly could be taken away at a moment’s notice. That is where this book picks up. In the last book, two of the warriors are caught in a trap set by the corrupted mages – magical people who are tied to the earth. It would be helpful for readers to have read the previous books but by no means mandatory. Ms. Palmer presents enough information for a reader by the emotions and actions of the characters within the story, and through internal and external dialogue so what is at stake and who can be hurt by the current conflict is clear and concise.

In Hunger Untamed, Kougar reunites in a bitter fashion with the absolute love of his life. There’s a ton of angst, anger, hurt and mistrust muddying the waters. Add to the potential loss of his brethren and Kougar’s a man on the edge, willing to do whatever he has to do save his brothers. But will that include forgiving the woman who betrayed him? That’s a tough call and one that seems an impossible task. The author allowed me to get into Kougar’s head a bit where none of the other characters seem to be able to. There are things that are hidden still, but I found out about the depth of his pain through the telling of the story. The fact that he survived what he has, that he didn’t go mentally loony as I know I would have, is a true testament to his courage, loyalty and honor. It describes the man that he is and he fits my description of a tortured hero.

Ariana is a warrior queen who, unbeknownst to Kougar, has had to carry a burden of equal severity for a thousand years. Her loss is a tragedy itself. Her fears are real and she’s haunted, tormented and on the run. She’s a woman of great beauty inside and out with a fierce loyalty and dedication to those in her care. In amerikabulteni.com cialis without prescription relation to infants, having the young children to bed eventually can actually complete a dissimilarity. More so, students are imparts the knowledge of cross-cultural awareness and they are also made familiar with all those sociological issues that are impacting education and standardized testing. purchase viagra online http://amerikabulteni.com/2012/12/30/amerikali-komedyenlerin-sakalariyla-2012-yili/ Meantime, compensations from adhesive hip capsules also travel down through the knees, ankles, and feet searching for cialis generic price a weak link in the lower kinetic chain. It offers effective cure for low libido, cialis purchase impotency and erectile dysfunction. She’s paid the ultimate sacrifice by losing Kougar the first time, but to lose him again will kill her. Talk about drama and emotional connection. This book has it all.

What shines through is the love the hero and heroine truly have for each other. It should have died because of all the lies and deception but true love, the kind that weathers the storms and brings strength out of chaos, never dies – it just gets sidelined for a bit. Their love is battle-born and stronger for it, much to my fascination. As harsh and cruel as things seem to get, I still found hints that gave me hope that had me rooting for their love to conquer all.

Like all good books, heroes and heroines need a little bit of help from their friends. Secondary characters abound. Again, although most are from the previous stories, I don’t believe readers will get lost. If anything, it might intrigue them enough to read the previous adventures in the series. Roar is really cool and I enjoyed his tale. Ms. Palmer is great with tortured heroes and every one of them fits the bill to one degree or another. There’s even a secondary thread that I think might be a curveball. Although it seems resolved, with Wulfe and Natalie, I somehow don’t think so. When you read this book, keep an eye out for that part and how Wulfe reacts; it could be my wishful imagination, but I don’t think so. Then again, the author never seems to do what I expect of her. Half the fun is the surprises she throws at me.

I do have to warn readers about some of the violence. There’s this one part that really grossed me out. It wasn’t gratuitous and it wasn’t arbitrary and it turns out to be the only course of action that would have worked. What I’d like to know is how in the world Ms. Palmer even imagined such a thing in the first place. Didn’t it give her nightmares? Feel me shudder.

A different kind of shuddering goes on when Kougar and Ariana succumb to their passion and explore their physical love. It’s scorching and worthy of a cold shower. Or two. Kougar sure knows how to please a woman and Ms. Palmer sure knows how to write all about it.

Hunger Unleashed will grip a reader’s imagination, heart and emotions. I wanted to rail against the injustice of it all and kick the bad guys into the next worm hole for daring to mess with my favorite guys’ happiness. All the Feral Warriors deserve their happily ever after and Kougar’s story is one that satisfies on many levels. Now, I’m chomping at the bit for who is next because every one of those hot and hunky men has a story to tell and a woman to find. Readers who enjoy the talents of J. R. Ward will find much to enjoy in the Feral Warriors series – the men are just as charismatic and alpha as one could wish, tempered with the ability to love a woman senseless. What more can a reader ask for?